Why is a durable fatbike good for the environment?
A sustainable fatbike helps entrepreneurs significantly reduce their CO2 emissions. Whereas a car emits an average of 220 grams of CO2 per kilometer, an electric fatbike emits virtually zero. This difference makes a sustainable fatbike one of the best choices for environmentally conscious business transportation. After all, you not only save money, but also contribute directly to cleaner air in your work area.
More and more business owners are therefore choosing an electric fatbike as an alternative to the car. The combination of zero direct emissions, low energy costs and a long lifespan makes this choice logical. In this article you will read exactly how much CO2 you will save, why belt drive is extra sustainable and how your company can contribute to a cleaner environment.
How much CO2 do you save with a sustainable fatbike?
The CO2 savings of a sustainable fatbike are impressive. According to Milieu Centraal an average car emits about 220 grams of CO2 per kilometer. An electric bike emits only 1% of that - and that's only from the generation of electricity for charging.
Concrete savings per year
Suppose you drive 30 kilometers daily for business purposes. With a car, this means about 6.6 kg of CO2 per day. Per working year (220 days) that's about 1,450 kg of CO2. So with a sustainable fatbike, you save almost 1,500 kg of CO2 per year. That is comparable to the annual emissions of an average household for two months.
"Biking to work is one of the most effective ways to reduce your personal carbon footprint," says Joeri of STOER Bikes. "It also offers health and wallet benefits."
Companies with multiple bicycles
For companies that replace multiple cars with sustainable fatbikes, the savings are even greater. Consider a delivery service with five vehicles: it quickly saves 7,000 to 8,000 kg of CO2 annually. That impresses customers and fits perfectly with a sustainable corporate image. The STOER CargoX is ideal for this purpose, with a load capacity of 150 kg.
What makes an electric fatbike more environmentally friendly than a car?
A sustainable fatbike is better for the environment than a car for several reasons. After all, it's not just about direct emissions while riding. Production, maintenance and longevity also play a big role.
Zero direct emissions
First, an electric fatbike emits no exhaust gases while riding. No CO2, no nitrogen oxides and no particulate matter. You thus contribute directly to cleaner air in cities. This is especially important in crowded areas where air quality is already under pressure from traffic.
A car, on the other hand, burns fossil fuels and emits all kinds of pollutants in the process. Even electric cars are not emission-free if you consider production and charging. A sustainable fatbike scores much better on all these points.
Much lower energy consumption
The energy consumption of a fatbike is a fraction of that of a car. Whereas a van consumes an average of 8-12 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, an electric fatbike uses only a few kilowatt hours for the same distance. At the STOER UrbanX with 720Wh battery will get you 80-100 kilometers on one charge. Charging then costs only a few cents.
Do you opt for green electricity? Then charging your sustainable fatbike even becomes completely CO2 neutral. The difference with traditional transport then becomes even greater. More and more entrepreneurs are making this choice consciously.
Longer life, less waste
A well-maintained fatbike will last 10 to 15 years. A van often needs replacement after only 200,000-300,000 kilometers. This difference in service life has major implications for the overall environmental impact. After all, producing a new vehicle less often means less use of raw materials and energy.
Manufacturing a car requires many more materials and energy than a bicycle. Think steel, glass, plastics and complex electronics. A durable fatbike is much simpler in construction and therefore more environmentally friendly in production.
Why is belt drive extra durable?
The Gates CDX belt drive used by STOER Bikes is not only practical but also extra durable. This is because this belt lasts much longer than a traditional chain and requires no lubrication. That saves on maintenance, replacement parts and environmental impact.
Lifetime of 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers
A traditional bicycle chain has to be replaced after only 3,000 to 6,000 kilometers. The Gates CDX belt lasts 20,000 to 30,000 kilometers. That's 3 to 5 times longer. Fewer replacements means less production of new parts and thus less waste. This makes your durable fatbike even more environmentally friendly over its lifetime.
"Such as a belt drive instead of a traditional chain," explains Joeri. "This results in a lower environmental impact over the life of the bike."
No oil or lubricants required
A chain should be regularly lubricated with oil or grease. These lubricants are not good for the environment and must be replaced regularly. The belt drive needs no lubrication at all. So you avoid environmental pollutants and also save time and money on maintenance.
The carbon material of the Gates CDX belt does not rust and is resistant to all weather conditions. Rain, mud or dust have no impact on its operation. This makes your durable fatbike reliable year-round, without additional maintenance.
Quieter and more efficient
A belt drive also operates more quietly than a chain. This reduces noise pollution in urban areas. Bicycles do not produce engine noise anyway, but with a belt it is completely silent. Pleasant for yourself and the environment.
The belt is also more efficient than a chain. Less energy is lost in the drive train, so your battery lasts longer. So you get more miles out of each charge and save even more energy. Win-win for you and the environment.
How does a sustainable fatbike improve air quality in cities?
Every sustainable fatbike that replaces a car means cleaner air. This effect is especially noticeable in cities with a lot of traffic. In fact, the air quality in Dutch cities has been under pressure for years due to exhaust fumes and particulate matter.
No exhaust fumes and particulate matter
Cars emit not only CO2, but also nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. These substances are harmful to health. They cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and other health problems. A sustainable fatbike emits none of these substances.
By choosing a fatbike for your business travel, you directly contribute to cleaner air in your own work area. This has benefits for your own health, that of your colleagues and everyone else in town.
Less noise pollution
Fatbikes also produce no noise. Unlike cars, mopeds and scooters, electric bikes are virtually silent. Less noise means less stress for city dwellers and a better quality of life. Especially in busy business districts, this makes a difference.
STOER Bikes' quiet Bafang motor makes cycling extra pleasant. You almost only hear the wind and your own breathing. Pleasant for yourself and respectful to your surroundings.
Large-scale effect in adoption
The effect on air quality becomes stronger when more businesses switch to sustainable fatbikes. In business districts where there are many delivery services and commercial vehicles, large-scale adoption can make a noticeable difference. Every additional bike is one less car in traffic.
Did you know that with only 5% less car traffic during rush hour, virtually all traffic jams disappear? So more bikes on the road also means less idling traffic producing unnecessary emissions. The positive effect reinforces itself.
Which STOER fatbike is the most durable?
All STOER fatbikes are designed with durability in mind. The Gates CDX belt drive, aluminum frame and high-quality battery ensure long life. Still, there are differences between models for different applications.
STOER UrbanX for daily commuting
The STOER UrbanX is ideal for business owners who bike to clients or the office every day. With a range of 80-100 kilometers per charge, you'll get through an entire week without recharging. The 720Wh battery fully charges in 6-8 hours. This model won the title Best Fatbike 2024 at the AD Bicycle Test with an 8.5 rating.
The UrbanX comes standard with PIN code immobilizer and GPS functionality. So your durable fatbike is well protected against theft. The maximum load is 180 kg, including any luggage on the 2-person saddle.
STOER CityX for easy entry
The STOER CityX has a low step stool for extra comfort. This is nice if you get on and off frequently, which is the case with many business trips. The buddy seat offers convenient storage for your lock or other items. Technically, the CityX is similar to the UrbanX, with the same durable belt drive.
STOER CargoX for sustainable transport
For companies that transport products, the STOER CargoX the most sustainable choice. This cargo bike replaces a van and thus saves the most CO2. With a load capacity of 150 kg and a large container of 100×70 cm, you can transport a lot. The powerful 92Nm motor ensures that you will ride away smoothly even with a full load.
The CargoX won the German Design Award 2025 for Excellent Product Design. The bin is made of EPP material that is completely recyclable. Thus, end-of-life is also considered. Read more about the durability of STOER Bikes on our blog.
Tax benefits of sustainable business transportation
In addition to the environmental benefits, there are also interesting tax advantages to a sustainable fatbike. This is because the government encourages environmentally friendly transportation through various schemes. This makes the switch even more attractive financially.
Small-scale investment deduction (KIA)
With the KIA, you deduct up to 28% of the purchase price from your profit. For a €3,199 STOER UrbanX, this means a tax benefit of nearly €900. This significantly lowers your net investment. Note that you must make a minimum of €2,901 in investments per year to qualify for the KIA.
Environmental Investment Allowance (MIA).
For electric cargo bikes such as the CargoX, you may also be able to apply the MIA. This scheme offers up to 45% additional deductions for environmentally friendly investments. The combination of KIA and MIA can make your investment a lot more advantageous. Consult with your accountant about the possibilities.
VAT refund and low additional tax rate
As a VAT-registered entrepreneur, you can claim a full refund of the VAT on the purchase. For a fatbike costing €3,000 including VAT, this gives an immediate €520 benefit. The addition for private use is only 7% of the recommended retail price. For a fatbike of €3,000, this is only €210 per year - much lower than for a company car.
Want to know more about tax benefits? Then read our blog on tax benefits of a business e-bike.
Practical tips for sustainable cycling
To get the maximum environmental benefit from your durable fatbike, here are a few practical tips. That way, you can make sure your bike lasts a long time and uses as little energy as possible.
Choose green power
Charging your fatbike only costs a few cents each time. Do you choose an energy supplier that supplies 100% green electricity? Then your bike will be completely CO2 neutral in use. The little bit of emissions that remain will thus disappear completely.
Maintain your bike properly
A well-maintained bicycle will last longer. Check tire pressure regularly, keep the bike clean and have the brakes and electronics checked annually. With STOER Bikes' belt drive, maintenance is minimal: no lubrication required and rarely replaced. This keeps your durable fatbike in top condition for years.
Store the battery properly
The battery is the most environmentally damaging part of a pedelec. Therefore, it is important to take good care of it. Store the battery at room temperature and do not charge it completely. The best thing for longevity is if the battery stays charged between 20 and 80%. That way your battery will last longer and you won't have to buy a new one as often.
Return old batteries separately
Is your battery finally worn out? Then dispose of it separately at your municipality's recycling center. This way, the valuable materials can be recycled. This is better than throwing the battery in the garbage, where it ends up in the landfill.
Getting started with sustainable business transportation
Want to contribute to a cleaner environment while saving on costs? Then a sustainable fatbike is the logical choice. You'll reduce your CO2 emissions by more than 95%, improve the air quality in your work area and benefit from tax breaks.
Take a test drive
The best way to experience whether a durable fatbike suits you is by taking a test drive. That way you can feel for yourself how the bike rides and which model suits you best. STOER Bikes has dealers throughout the Netherlands.
Contact us for advice
Have questions about the durability of our fatbikes or tax options? Get in touch With STOER Bikes for personal advice. We are happy to think with you about the best solution for your situation.
STOER Bikes scores 4.7 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. Customers appreciate the quality and personal service. As a Dutch company from Aalsmeer, we are close to our customers and respond quickly to questions. At STOER Bikes we believe that reliability and environmental awareness go hand in hand.
Frequently asked questions about sustainable fatbikes
How much does switching from car to sustainable fatbike cost?
A STOER fatbike costs between €3,199 and €6,495, while a van quickly costs €25,000-€40,000. Because of the lower operating costs (no fuel, minimal maintenance, no road tax), you usually recoup the investment within 1-2 years. The tax advantages make the switch even more attractive.
How many miles can I ride an electric fatbike?
The STOER UrbanX and CityX have a range of 80-100 kilometers per charge with the 720Wh battery. The CargoX has an even larger 960Wh battery and achieves 60-100 kilometers, depending on the load. For most business applications, this is more than enough.
How do I deal with bad weather?
Fatbikes are designed for all weather conditions thanks to their wide tires and sturdy frame. The thick tires give extra grip on wet roads and even in light snow. The Gates CDX belt drive system withstands rain and mud. Invest in good rain gear for optimal comfort.
Can I transport business items on a fatbike?
Yes, with the right accessories you can transport a lot. The STOER UrbanX and CityX have a maximum load capacity of 180 kg including luggage. The CargoX is specially designed for transportation with a load capacity of 150 kg and a large bin. At STOER Bikes accessories find panniers and other solutions.
What are the tax advantages for a durable fatbike?
You benefit from the small scale investment allowance (KIA) of up to 28%, full VAT refund on business use, and a low additional tax rate of only 7%. For cargo bikes, the environmental investment allowance (MIA) may also apply. Consult your accountant for specific options.
How do I maintain a durable fatbike for maximum longevity?
With the Gates CDX belt drive, maintenance is minimal: no lubrication required and rarely replaced. Check tire pressure monthly, keep the bike clean and have the brakes checked annually. Store the battery at room temperature. With proper maintenance, a STOER fatbike will last 10-15 years.
Exactly how much CO2 do I save with a sustainable fatbike?
At 30 kilometers of daily business driving, you save about 1,400-1,500 kg of CO2 per year compared to a car. That's because a car emits an average of 220 grams of CO2 per kilometer, while an electric fatbike produces only 1% of that. If you choose green power, your bike will be completely CO2 neutral.